Page 10 of Sinful Lies

“Well, thanks for the info,brat, but you could have just put that in a text.” I chuckle, taking a sip of my drink.

“I’m not done.”

I lean back in my chair, throwing an arm over the back as I look at my older brother.

His usual immaculate dark hair is ruffled, as if he’s run his hands through it multiple times, and his dark blue shirt is crumpled and rolled up at the sleeves.

“What’s going on, Alexei? You look like you didn’t get any sleep last night, and not in a good way.”

“I heard a rumor that Massimo is planning on askingyou to marry his daughter, Lucia, in order to diffuse the escalating war between our two families.”

I can’t stop the laugh that escapes me as my brother’s words sink in. “You’re joking.”

Alexei sighs. “I wish I was.”

“What made him think I was interested in marriage? That’s the last fucking thing I want, Alexei.” I down the rest of my drink.

“Saying no will only make things worse. You have to think in the best interest of the family, Dimitri.”

“Ialwaysthink in the best interest of the family. For once, can’t I just let this one go? Palm her off to Mikhail, or fuck, even Danil! Why does it have to be me?”

“They’re too young.”

“Bullshit.”

“Massimo asked for you specifically, Dimitri.”

“Why?”

“Likely because I’m already taken.”

“So, I get your hand-me-down bride? Fucking great.”

“I don’t enjoy putting this on you.”

“Then don’t.” I slam my empty glass down on the table between us.

“We all have to make sacrifices, Dimitri. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the idea of marrying Bianca, but it was in the best interest of our family to join up with the Bellucci’s.”

“It worked out well for you and Bianca. You were lucky.”

“The same could happen with you and Lucia.”

“I can’t think about this right now.” I get to my feet.

“You can’t run from this, Dimitri.”

“I’m not fucking running. I have other shit I need to deal with. Can’t you give me a few days to at least get my head around the idea?”

“I’m not sure we have a few days.”

I knew whatever it was that Alexei wanted to discuss would be bad, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad.

“We’ll discuss this tomorrow.” My voice shakes as I ball my hands into fists, fighting the urge to punch a hole in the wall.

Alexei nods once, dismissing me.

I storm out of the office, slamming the door behind me.

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